Lead testing grants for schools and child care facilities

Grant funding will be available from March 2020 through July 2021 for local public health agencies and other county agencies to provide testing for lead in drinking water in public schools and certified child care facilities.

Our goal is to reduce lead exposure for the public, especially young children. We are raising awareness of lead risks, testing for lead in drinking water, identifying potential lead sources, and taking action to address lead exposure. We will also share the sample results — and any actions taken — with the public.

Typically, fixture replacement and point-of-use filters are relatively inexpensive lead remediation solutions. However, EPA has provided an interactive guide of potential funding sources to help schools and daycares replace their fixtures that contain lead (if needed).

Local Public Health Agencies and CountiesLocal public health agencies and county agencies can apply to administer this program locally for public schools and licensed child care facilities in their jurisdictions. This program has two required phases, outlined below. Applicants are expected to complete both phases. You will be able to apply for funding in March 2020.

Local public health agencies and counties who apply will spend Phase 1 implementing outreach and education on drinking water lead exposure and soliciting the participation of public schools and child care facilities in their area. Local public health agencies and other county agencies that apply to participate will be provided with a tool kit for Phase 1 — Outreach and Education.

Phase 2 - Lead Sampling and Testing Phase 2 will be spent finalizing the sampling plans, sampling water at the identified schools and child care facilities, submitting the samples for testing, and communicating test results to the public. Once you apply, we will provide participants with a second tool kit for Phase 2 — Lead Sampling and Testing. Below are some additional resources.

Schools and Child Care FacilitiesIf you think your school or child care facility would benefit from this program, please contact your local public health agency or county to express your interest and see if they are planning on participating.